Anambra State Government Rescues 17-year-old Girl From Suspected Ritualist Stepfather.

The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, led by the commissioner, Ify Obinabo, has rescued a 17-year-old girl from her stepfather who allegedly intended to use her for ritual.

It was gathered that the victim (name withheld), hails from the Nise community in Awka South Local Government Area of the state and is said to be the stepdaughter of the suspect, Sunday Ezeh, an alleged ritualist.

Obinabo explained that she was informed of the incident by some indigenes of Nise, but due to the sensitivity of the case, she collaborated with the local vigilante security operatives in apprehending the culprit before handing him over to the police.

She stated these while addressing journalists when the victim was brought to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka, for treatment on Tuesday.

She, however, warned that the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo's administration has zero tolerance for any form of crime.

She said, "We warn the people to desist from any form of harmful traditional practices against girls, children and women as the case may be.

"According to reports, Sunday Ezeh wanted to use his stepdaughter for ritual."

Sharing her experience, the victim who was rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment said she was tied by her hands and feet by the said father and locked up in a room for one month without food.

The case has been transferred to the Anambra State Police Criminal Investigative Department and will be charged in court.